On Valentine’s Day, six people in the US filed a lawsuit against Match Group, the company behind popular dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. The lawsuit accuses these apps of using game-like tactics that contribute to addictive behavior, turning users into miserable swiping addicts. Match Group has dismissed these claims as “ridiculous”. However, those who have spent years on these apps can attest to the parallels between love algorithms and online gaming. The lawsuit suggests that we’re being programmed to seek a dopamine hit from each swipe in a “pay-to-play” loop. Despite the known pitfalls, many users continue to participate, even at the cost of their mental health. Dating app addiction has had a significant impact on the lives of many users, affecting their mental health and personal relationships.
Read more at: www.theguardian.com